A critical fundraising threshold was met this month for the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, a statewide comprehensive survey of horse breeds. The state’s equine industry and its supporters, among them organizations, businesses and individuals, responded to the challenge of raising enough funds to be eligible for an equal amount from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.

The University of Kentucky’s (UK) Ag Equine Programs and the Kentucky Horse Council have partnered on the 2012 Kentucky Equine Survey, in conjunction with the Kentucky field office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service and the University of Louisville’s Equine Business Program. The last comprehensive study of this type was conducted in 1977.

"We thank all those equine associations, large and small, as well as individuals all across the commonwealth, who contributed to the Kentucky Equine Survey," said Ginny Grulke, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Council. "Every amount donated, whether $5 or $5,000, helped us reach this major milestone. We are proud of our grassroots riders who dug down deep to support the whole industry, enabling us to meet the $100,000 challenge."

"It is encouraging to receive such strong industry-wide support for the Kentucky Equine Survey, because it again underscores the importance of having good data to help develop the state’s signature industry to its fullest potential," said Jill Stowe, PhD, UK associate professor in agricultural economics and project lead